Rallying call issued to get women up and running for this year's Race For Life

WOMEN of all ages, shapes and sizes are being urged to get their running shoes on and take on Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life 2014.

With entry forms now available, the event organisers are hoping to attract more people than ever to take part in the athletic challenge.

The Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5km, 10km and Pretty Muddy events, which raises millions of pounds every year to help fund life-saving research.

Claire Wase, the charity’s events manager, said: “We’re calling on North East mighty-mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-getting girls to join our formidable army and take on cancer at this year’s Race for Life.

“We know how committed North-East women can be when they really make up their minds to do something. We want to harness that power to stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for life-saving research.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5km in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.

“Pretty Muddy is a fantastic addition to our Race for Life family. It promises all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k and 10k events but with added obstacles and, of course, mud.”

Pretty Muddy is a women-only, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with mud – which will take place for the first time at Newcastle’s Racecourse on Saturday, July 19 and return to Sunderland’s Herrington Park, May 24.

Last year, 21,000 women took part in the event across the North-East and raised £1,091,101. This year, organisers need 23,000 women and girls to stride out to help raise £1,178,000.

She added: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also to remember those who have been lost to the disease. There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.”

To enter the Race for Life event go to raceforlife.org or call 0845-600-6050.